New York City F.C., Manhattanville end training facility plans in light of lawsuit

After receiving town approval for a complete renovation of a proposed parcel of land within Manhattanville College, New York City F.C.’s plans for a training center in Purchase have been derailed.

As reported yesterday, the Purchase Environmental Protection Agency filed suit with the State Supreme Court, requesting a temporary restraining order on the Harrison Planning Boards approved plans for the renovation of soccer fields, the school gymnasium, the construction of a third field and the outfitting of office spaces on campus. PEPA cited traffic concerns, and challenged the boards 4-2 approval of the project.

With the MLS season mere months away, NYCFC have little time to waste, causing the group to terminate the relationship instead of engaging in a litigious battle.

That, Manhattanville College president Jon C. Strauss says, is a huge blow for the college and the community.

“It is unfortunate that a small group of very well resourced citizens chose to pursue this action against the College,” he said in a statement. “Had this partnership come to fruition, it would have provided $10 million in much needed capital improvements, important academic and internship opportunities, and invaluable publicity to the College. Moreover, the planned NYCFC Academy teams and summer soccer camps would have been of great benefit to the youth of Purchase and Westchester County.

“Our student body and local youth have lost a tremendous opportunity here.”

EOS reached out to New York City F.C. about the decision. Needless to say, they shared a similar sentiment to their former partners at Manhattanville.

“Over the past several months, New York City Football Club has engaged in a transparent, community driven process required by the Town of Harrison Planning Board,” club spokesperson Risa Heller said. “During that time, our organization participated in three public meetings and answered every question posed to us by the community and the planning board about the proposed training facility’s size, scope, construction timeline and more.

“After the presentations and public hearings, the Planning Board voted to approve our application. We are disappointed that this group has worked to overturn the actions of the Town-appointed Board, and that it has caused Manhattanville College to be denied this substantial improvement to their campus.”